Chapter 137: Do You Dare Not Follow?
He Zhi Lan leaned close to Xu Youyou’s ear and whispered, “This Ming Dynasty blue-and-white jar, with its current condition, is worth over 40 million in the market. The Lin family’s move here is essentially pre-heating the scene.”
Xu Youyou had just gone along with the crowd to take a look. It was indeed a genuine Ming Dynasty blue-and-white jar, and if it could be purchased for under 40 million, it would be an almost guaranteed profit.
“The Lin family really doesn’t mind spending big,” Xu Youyou remarked.
He Zhi Lan responded, “Miss Xu, you can rest assured. The Lin family might make mistakes in other antiques, but they will never go wrong with porcelain, and they will never suffer a loss.”
Xu Youyou was curious. She wondered if Lin family had recognized any issues with the Yongzheng period Fushou Olive Vase brought by Wu Shunyi.
The excitement in the room confirmed He Zhi Lan’s words: the Lin family’s reputation for porcelain was solid.
Because this was the first auction item, the major players in the room trusted the Lin family. Even though the starting price was set relatively low, after several rounds of bidding, the price of the blue-and-white jar quickly soared to 40 million.
Above 40 million, the bidding began to slow down as the big players grew more cautious.
Xu Youyou thought that Lu Jingyao would also participate in the auction, but he only shook his head. “We have several similar items at home.”
Xu Youyou couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: being wealthy is really great—buying such expensive items one after another.
In the end, the blue-and-white jar was sold for 50 million. The buyer wasn’t someone Xu Youyou could immediately name, but they seemed to be a regular in financial magazines.
The sale of the blue-and-white jar had certainly heated up the auction, and the next item to be displayed was a six-sided seal.
“This is Mr. Wu Ranzhi’s seal, and this item is presented by Miss Xu Youyou,” Lin Yashu announced with a smile.
Xu Youyou had known the process beforehand. She placed the seal on the display table with great poise.
Several of the big players exchanged glances, and their accompanying appraisers immediately flocked to Xu Youyou’s side.
At the same time, the projection screen behind Lin Yashu displayed detailed photos of the seal.
“Seven million,” someone who was particularly fond of seals quickly called out.
Before Lin Yashu could call for the auction to start, someone else jumped in.
“Eight million!”
“Nine million!”
“Fifteen million! I really like this piece, please give me face and let me have it.”
The auction hall instantly quieted down.
Xu Youyou looked at the person who spoke. He seemed to be in his fifties, with jet-black hair and bright eyes, showing no signs of old age fatigue.
She didn’t recognize the person, nor did he seem familiar, but the regulars from magazines and TV shows immediately gave him respect. As soon as he spoke, no one else dared to bid.
“Fifteen million once, fifteen million twice, fifteen million three times! Sold! Congratulations to Mr. Anonymous. Is the transaction happening now?” Lin Yashu asked with a smile.
The person referred to as Mr. Anonymous now had a fiery gaze fixed on the small seal in Xu Youyou’s hand. “Yes, it’s happening now.”
Xu Youyou walked over to him and handed over the account information she had prepared in advance.
The man didn’t hesitate, snapping a photo and seeming to send it to his financial team.
It didn’t take long before Xu Youyou received a notification that the money had been transferred.
“Miss Xu, if you have any interesting collectibles next time, feel free to contact me,” the man said.
Xu Youyou nodded. He handed her a business card, but the photo on it clearly didn’t resemble his face. It likely represented his agent.
Although he had sealed the deal for 15 million, Xu Youyou had mentally valued the seal at 8 million. The man paid generously and without hesitation, and Xu Youyou was happy to continue trading with him.
Meanwhile, the auction was still in progress. The next item to be sold was a calligraphy piece, which went for 8 million.
Xu Youyou was surprised.
Onstage, Lin Yashu was smiling as she announced, “Congratulations to another Mr. Anonymous, who secured his beloved item for 8 million!”
He Zhi Lan noticed Xu Youyou’s confusion and lowered his voice to explain, “Not everyone wants to reveal their identity. There are also some who don’t want to show their face. This has always been the Lin family’s tradition for their exchange meetings.”
Xu Youyou’s gaze swept around the auction hall, and sure enough, she saw several people wearing hats and masks.
“Those who don’t wish to show their face enter through a special channel when they come to this small courtyard,” He Zhi Lan continued to explain.
Xu Youyou felt a little dissatisfied. “I don’t want to show my face either. Why hasn’t anyone asked if I mind?”
He Zhi Lan helplessly replied, “Miss Xu, those who don’t want to show their face are important partners of the Lin family. Such privileges aren’t easily granted.”
Xu Youyou thought to herself that they had likely paid for the privilege. Indeed, it wasn’t something she could compare to.
After another two items were sold, Lin Yashu raised her voice slightly.
“The next item is something that many of you are particularly interested in. I won’t keep you guessing. It’s the Yongzheng period Famille Rose Fushou Olive Vase, with a starting bid of 60 million.”
As soon as Lin Yashu finished speaking, someone started the bidding.
“70 million!”
“90 million! I want this. Give me face, don’t compete with me!”
But this time, the person who spoke didn’t seem to have much influence.
“You want to take it for 90 million? Who are you kidding? 180 million!”
The price doubled instantly, and the room fell silent.
The vase’s owner, meanwhile, seemed to hold his breath, carefully observing everyone’s expressions, silently hoping someone would bid higher.
It seemed like his wish was heard.
Gu Yuji lazily spoke up, “300 million.”
Xu Youyou, seeing that a member of the Gu family was bidding, didn’t hesitate for a second. “300 million and one hundred thousand.”
He Zhi Lan was surprised and looked at her. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but Xu Youyou’s bid didn’t seem like she was really competing for the item. It was more like she was deliberately driving the price up.
Even so, He Zhi Lan remained concerned that Xu Youyou might actually end up winning the item.
Xu Youyou, however, simply shook her head.
Not far away, Gu Yuji cast a dark look at Xu Youyou, his lips barely moving, “350 million.”
Xu Youyou heard a notification on her phone. Though she hadn’t intended to check it, He Zhi Lan was practically glaring at her.
“This vase is fake! Raising the price recklessly is dangerous!” The message came from He Zhi Lan.
Xu Youyou nodded lightly, signaling that she understood, and then, in the stunned eyes of the others, she spoke again: “490 million. Do you dare not follow?”
